Paper and boards

GSM stands for

Grams per square metre

Card is always

Heavier than paper

Paper and boards are made from

Cellulose, normally sources in wood

Other sources of cellulose

Bamboo
Flax
Hemp
Straw
Sugarcane

Wood sources are

Normally softwood

The first stage of paper production

To make pulp

The final finish of the paper or board depends on:

• The type of fibre used to make the pulp
• If chemicals were added during manufacturing
• The addition of layers or coatings/laminates
• Bleaching levels

When bright paper is requirfe

Bleached pulp is used

Bleed proof paper

70gsm sheet, coated to stop solvent-based markers staining through the page. Deeper colours are achieved as ink stays on the surface .
Used with marker pens for design ideas and final designs.
Coated to reduce absorbency

Cartridge paper

- Thick, quality paper
- Used for pencil and ink drawings or paintings
- Available in a range of weights

Grid paper

- Printed with feint lines
- Lines are printed with different weights

Layout paper

- Lightweight and smooth
- Greater opacity than tracing paper
- Works well with pencil and most other media

Tracing paper

- Smooth and sold on rolls
- 40gsm to 280gsm
- Made the same way as ordinary paper, but passed through an acid bath
- The acid increases translucency and stability of the paper

Cardboard

- Measured in microns 1000 microns equals 1mm
- Can be made from recycled paper
- Laminated to other materials to increase strength or provide alternative surfaces

Corrugated cardboard

- Used for delivery containers and packaging
- Lightweight- but strong
- Smooth surface, easy to print on

Foil lined card

- Stiff card lined with aluminium foil on one side
- Cartons containing liquid are foil lined to make them food safe
- Each coating to make it resistant to oils and liquids

Duplex board

- Made of two layers
- Exterior has a wax coating to provide moisture barrier and give a sheen
- 200-500gsm

Foam board

- Rigid and lightweight
- Used as a backing material for graphic signage

Solid white board

- 200 gsm to 500gsm
- Strong and smooth
Works well with printing and surface finishes

Ink jet card

- Special coating increase stability of print
- Smooth surface
- 120-350gsm
- Matt or gloss coating